February 2019

A city of pleasureUrban Rambles, written by Walkingworld co-founder Nicholas Rudd-Jones, explores the very different pleasures of walking through cities, taking you through the best green spaces and past the most notable buildings. The book covers twenty cities in all, including cathedral cities, seats of learning, trading ports, and cities dedicated to pleasure.

One of the greatest cities designed for pleasure is of course Brighton. This walk offers lots of green space, a bracing walk along the seafront, myriad intriguing lanes and a buzzing city life.

Even if you have visited Brighton several times, you probably won't have walked through The Extra Mural Cemetery (1851), which occupies one of the most delightful spots in the whole of Brighton: a sheltered, gently sloping, well-wooded area of downland between two much steeper hills. As early as 1880, its potential as a green space as well as a burial ground was recognised when J.G.Bishop published a walking guide called ‘Strolls in the Brighton Extra Mural Cemetery'. What he first discovered, we experience too. The cemetery is a delight to walk through, with headstones, elaborate and ornate tombs and a Gothic Revival chapel, all within a leafy landscape of studied neglect.

Coastal archaeology programme
The successful Coastal and Inter-Tidal Zone Archaeological Network (CITiZAN) has been given further funding to establish six 'Discovery Programmes' in areas where the risk to intertidal and coastal archaeology is extreme. New programmes will be established during 2019 at sites on the Humber, Liverpool Bay, the Blackwater, the Kent coast, the Solent and three rivers in Devon.

So far over 1500 archaeological features have been added to the CITiZAN interactive coastal map. In all the CITiZAN programmes professional archaeologists work with local communities to record and monitor important sites. There's plenty of work to do and volunteers are welcome.
Off-grid walking holidaysWhile all of the destinations offered by self-guided walking specialists, Inntravel, allow you to get away from the crowds, there are some where you can lose yourself - and the outside world - almost completely...

Manor Houses of the Minho, a leisurely route featuring beautiful gardens, ancient towns, sparkling vinho verde and magnificent manor-house accommodation, is one such example. Far from the bustle of the Algarve, this northerly Portuguese region is tranquil and surprisingly little-visited - despite its reputation as one of the most scenic corners of the country, with superb walking trails that include sections of the Portuguese Caminho de Santiago.

More challenging - and similarly peaceful - hikes await in Italy's Secret Apennines, the dramatic and remote mountain region stretching from Liguria to Umbria. Many of Inntravel's rewarding routes take place in the protected area of the Corno alle Scale Regional Park, rich in wildlife and flowers, but not in tourists. Another highlight of the holiday comes in the form of the four welcoming inns, much-praised for their genuine hospitality and excellent regional cuisine.

Close to Greek mainland, the lush green island of Andros also makes a great choice for anyone seeking wonderful walking amid authentic and unspoiled landscapes. In the interior, lovingly restored stone footpaths lead through waterfall-blessed valleys, dotted with arched stone bridges and venerable chestnut groves, while by the enticing coastline the air is heavy with the scent of aromatic plants and herbs.

For more information on these trips, or on any of Inntravel's walking holidays, visit inntravel.co.uk or speak to their expert team on 01653 617034.

Summer walking in SloveniaAre you looking for a truly exceptional walking experience? Walk Slovenia have taken the traditional ski chalet escape and given it a hiking twist to provide the chance to discover an incredible location in the foothills of the Julian Alps. You can enjoy an all-inclusive stay at award-winning hotel Pri Lenart and take in some of Europe's most stunning scenery.

Walk Slovenia pride themselves on providing excellent hospitality and trails that have been carefully selected to match the level and ability of the group. Whether you're looking for glorious wildflower meadows, a stroll through upland alpine pastures or a more challenging mountain ascent, Slovenia has it all.

For more information take a look at the website www.walkslovenia.com or email info@walkslovenia.com. There is availability throughout June, July and August so there has never been a better time to plan your next walking adventure somewhere a little different.
For your diaryThe 40th Annual South Downs Way Walk will take place 7th-15th June 2019, walking the full 100 miles of the National Trail from Eastbourne to Winchester over nine days. Full details of how it all works and how to book are on the event website www.southdownsway.com - or call Keith on 01903 813381.